Thursday, April 12, 2007

Child-Care Woes and an Imminent Birth...

I mentioned in a previous post that while my wife and I are at work, my wife's aunt will be watching our child. After further discussion with my wife, I found out that nothing in life is free! Turns out We'll be paying our aunt to watch him. So for approximately 6 hours a day, and about 4 days a week we'll be shelling out $30 a day for child-care.

That comes to about $5,800 a year including vacations. I came to the conclusion that it's only fair, she'll have her two grandchildren to watch as well our newborn. Plus, she'll be spending time, food and energy while she's not 100% healthy. A little research also shows me that daycare center child-care is much more expensive, so we have a good deal.

Speaking of baby, the wife visited the doctor the other day. Turns out if he's not born by next Thursday, they'll induce her that night! So we're possibly looking at an April 20th birth. I'll be taking off of work for about 2 1/2 weeks to help/bond with the baby. Now that a "countdown" has begun, she's scared and I'm nervous. She's also having false labor pains, which usually indicates the birth is near as well, so who knows...

11 comments:

donna jean
said...

Yep, child care ain't cheap, certainly not for infant care. Seems that your aunt's care will be working out to at least $100 less a week than the going rate where I lived 4 years ago -- maybe it's more now.

Of course, having family as a resource is great, but also shouldn't be seen as a free ride either. Sounds like yall have found a situation that will work for your family.

I had family support when the daughter was born and it was a wonderful thing. There is something nice about knowing that you caregiver really loves your child. Of course, I also worked in child care for many years, with infants, and I know that I loved those kids just as much.

The daycare is even worth more when you consider your son will be with family, someone who loves them. It's just priceless.

I'm glad to read you will be taking time off too. I think fathers sometimes, wrongly assume they aren't as important. Dad's are the power, the cement of the family. Like a sturdy foundation. That mom will build the family on.

Congratulations! Tell your wife - the pain is gone immediately after birth. At which time, you will both experience the best "high" you could ever imagine.

Good idea John, taking a couple weeks off to be with your wife and new baby is something you will always remember. A newborn will only be awake 25-30% of the time so you and momma can get in a lot of personal time as well.

We had a single and 3 years later had twins. Count your blessings that it's only one!

30 bucks a day is a great deal believe it or not. The center we use charges over twice that even for our 3 year old. We're doing a combo of family and daycare. We're also using pretaxed dollars to pay for day care.

Good luck with everything! Get some rest now. But here's a little something to chew on from a father of two. One baby is EASY! Of course you won't realize this until #2 comes along :)